As Medianeras em Buenos Aires. O terceiro alçado como elemento de composição no espaço urbano

Abstract

The sidewalls are a common element in the urban image of different cities. It appears as an ephemeral element, however, in the period of time when there is no building in the next lot, it acquires a vital influence on the image produced in the public space. Constant amendments to town planning regulations have given the sidewalls the value of a main facade, because of its continuity, size and exposure concerning to the street. Buenos Aires, city of study of this thesis, develops itself through the reticular structure with juxtaposed lots, maintaining the colonial appearance. Although, initially, the development has been done in size, quickly the central area densified, emerging the city by exploring the vertical. Being this structure prone to speculative power, in its narrow lots, the diverse plannings allowed an impulsive building construction, giving this way a multiple character to its blocks, where the alternating height is a constant. This situation allows, in a clear way, the appearance of the sidewalls, confronting the users who walk around the city every day. The sidewalls becomes a witness of the building evolution history, showing precarious habitability conditions which boosts, although illegally, the opening of gaps by its inhabitants. The city, based on a uniform structure, by growing, proposes an heterogeneous and specific lecture of Buenos Aires. The reflection developed in this work about the sidewalls, was made possible by the lived experience in the city, in the exchange programme as student at the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Urbanism of Buenos Aires. The approach to the city's architecture, which allowed an understanding of the possibilities of action having in mind this pre-existence, was provided by the possibility of carrying out an internship at the Adamo-Faiden studio.